Last year in April (issue 40), The Ridge wrote about Mandla Mthembu, sand sculptor of note. Perhaps not immediately recognisable by name, for the past 13 years Mandla been one of the premier sand sculptors on Durban’s beaches, including Umhlanga.
Recently, however, his work has been nowhere to be seen along our shorelines. And after a long search, Vicki Bloom, a good friend of Mandla’s, discovered that he has been sick. Mandla Mthembu is suffering from a cancer which could see him lose his foot. What makes the situation even worse is the fact that Mandla has nowhere to stay. He has been living in shelter.
Mandla has been referred to the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital for treatment and has taken a break from his work at the beach.
The Ridge would like to ask anyone who might be able to help Mandla with a cottage or just a room to contact Vicki at 072 025 0931. And anyone who would like to donate funds towards helping Mandla can do so at:
Mr SN Mthembu
Standard Bank Account
053401220
Umhlanga Ridge Branch
(please contact Vicki before making any deposit).
The Barnyard Theatre will also be hosting a fundraiser on July 22 to help Mandla. Tickets are R125. – By Ridge Correspondent